The First World Philanthropy Forum Convenes in Beijing

BEIJING, China, Sep 5, 2016—The World Philanthropy Forum, co-hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Tsinghua University and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), was held in Beijing. Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations, sent a congratulatory letter for the forum. Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

In his congratulatory letter, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon wished the World Philanthropy Forum every success, noting that "China and its people have a long history of giving, and China's philanthropy has made outstanding contributions to development of education, health and the environment. At a time when humankind is facing many common development issues, cross-sector and cross-cultural partnerships will be the key. Let's work together for the peaceful development, human rights dignity and opportunities for all humankind."

Li Xiaolin, President of CPAFFC pointed out in her speech that China's philanthropy has achieved unprecedented and vigorous development in recent years, but problems still exist. The forum has built an international exchange and cooperation platform for Chinese charities and enterprises, organizations and individuals engaged in charity work, which will promote the continuous development of China's philanthropy towards a healthy and orderly direction.

The forum invited leading scholars, practitioners and representatives from all walks of life in the field of philanthropy to conduct in-depth exchanges and discussions on hot topics of philanthropy. Participants actively carried out international academic exchanges in the field of philanthropy, and contributed to China's participation in the United Nations' initiative to jointly create a bright future where all are free from want, all have access to development and enjoy dignity. Other distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included Huang Mengfu, Vice Chairman of the 10th and 11th CPPCC National Committee and Honorary Chairman of the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, Qi Mingqiu, Executive Vice Chairman of CSCLF, Chen Xu, Chairperson of Tsinghua University Council, Rana Flowers, Acting UN Resident Coordinator and UNICEF Representative in China, and Mark Suzman, chief strategy officer and president of Global Policy and Advocacy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. and Lester Salamon, Professor at the Johns Hopkins University, among others. Following the opening ceremony, Ji Yongjun, Deputy Director General, Department of American and Oceanian Affairs of CPAFFC presided over the main forum of "The United Nations Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health".